WASHINGTON, DC (November 4, 2015) – Donna Schlarb, a kindergarten teacher at Odyssey Preparatory Academy in Casa Grande, AZ, has been named a 2015-16 Javits-Frasier scholar by the National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC).

NAGC’s Javits-Frasier Teacher Scholarship Fund for Diverse Talent Development recognizes passionate, innovative educators who work in districts that serve students from low-income and minority populations that are historically underrepresented in gifted education.

“NAGC is committed to developing leaders like Donna who effectively advocate for those students who are often overlooked,” said M. René Islas, executive director.

The Javits-Frasier scholars are new to teaching and/or gifted education. The program provides a unique professional development opportunity, as most general education teachers have no training to properly identify or serve gifted students before entering the classroom. The scholars will network with and learn from other teachers and leaders in gifted education at the NAGC 62 Annual Convention in Phoenix, AZ, November 12-15, 2015.

“When I first learned I was selected I thought, ‘Wow!’ Then I giggled and had to relook at the email,” said Schlarb. “It felt surreal. I am elated because I will gain invaluable knowledge from this learning and networking opportunity.”

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The National Association for Gifted Children is a membership organization whose leaders support and develop policies and practices that encourage and respond to the diverse expressions of gifts and talents in children and youth from all cultures, racial and ethnic backgrounds, and socioeconomic groups. NAGC invests its resources to train teachers, encourage parents, and educate administrators and policy makers on how to develop and support gifted children.